Kendrick Lamar’s Electrifying Juneteenth Concert

Los Angeles witnessed a powerful Juneteenth celebration as Kendrick Lamar transformed his “Pop Out” concert at the Forum into a momentous event of unity and reflection. The concert, a response to his recent victory over Drake, showcased Lamar’s dedication to bringing the LA community together through music.

Lamar curated a three-hour extravaganza featuring LA’s rising stars and established icons such as Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy, and YG. The 37-year-old rap titan’s performance included collaborations with Black Hippy members Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock. Notably, Lamar delivered his Drake diss tracks “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” and was later joined by Dr. Dre for a nostalgic rendition of “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love.”

Dr. Dre praised Lamar as “one of the greatest that ever did it” before setting the crowd into a reflective silence with the iconic “Sixth Sense” quote from Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us”: “I see dead people.”

A diverse crowd of 17,000, including celebrities like The Weeknd, LeBron James, Ayo Edebiri, and Rick Ross, enthusiastically joined in, rapping along to every word. Lamar, flanked by NBA stars Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, rapper Roddy Ricch, and a teenage dance troupe led by krumping pioneer Tommy the Clown, delivered an electrifying performance in a red hoodie.

Emphasizing unity, Lamar addressed the audience: “Y’all ain’t gon’ let nobody disrespect the West Coast. Y’all ain’t gon’ let nobody imitate our legends, huh,” referencing Drake’s controversial use of AI to mimic 2Pac’s voice. He further called for a group photo with various community representatives on stage, symbolizing peace and togetherness among LA’s diverse neighborhoods and gangs.

Lamar’s concert was more than just music; it was a statement of solidarity and a call for peace. “This … ain’t got nothing to do with no song at this point, ain’t got nothing to do with no back and forth records, it’s got everything to do with this moment right here,” he declared. The night concluded with Lamar promising more to come, as the audience chanted the lyrics to “Not Like Us” while exiting.

The long-standing cold war between Lamar and Drake, filled with subtle insults and competitive spirit, reached a climax with Lamar’s recent releases. The feud, ignited by Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s 2013 “Control,” highlighted their divergent paths: Drake’s mainstream appeal and social media presence contrasted with Lamar’s introspective, concept-driven artistry.

Lamar’s disdain for Drake’s perceived lack of authenticity culminated in his biting final verse on “Not Like Us”: “You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars / No, you not a colleague, you a … colonizer.” This concert and his recent tracks solidify Lamar’s position as a defender of hip-hop’s core values and a unifying force in the community.

Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth “Pop Out” concert was a testament to his artistry and commitment to unity. By bringing together LA’s diverse voices and addressing critical issues within the hip-hop community, Lamar reaffirmed his status as a cultural leader and visionary. The event not only celebrated music but also underscored the importance of solidarity and authenticity in today’s turbulent times.